The Kenya Red Cross Society Kericho Branch has intensified efforts to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness and emergency response systems through partnerships with learning institutions and local resource mobilisation initiatives aimed at enhancing humanitarian support capacity across the region.
The humanitarian organization is working closely with schools, colleges, and other educational institutions to promote disaster awareness, volunteerism, and community resilience among young people as part of broader efforts to improve emergency response mechanisms at the grassroots level.
The renewed campaign comes amid increasing pressure on humanitarian agencies and county governments to respond to rising cases of floods, fire outbreaks, drowning incidents, landslides, and public health emergencies affecting vulnerable communities in different parts of the country.
The initiative was highlighted during the Humanity Power Walk held in Kericho, where hundreds of students, teachers, humanitarian volunteers, county officials, and residents participated in a major awareness and fundraising campaign aimed at supporting disaster response programmes in Kericho and neighbouring counties.
The event attracted participants from at least 12 learning institutions, including primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges. The procession moved through major streets of Kericho town before culminating at Moi Garden for sensitization forums, speeches, and award presentations.
Speaking during the event, Kericho and Bomet County Red Cross Coordinator Augustine Korir said the Humanity Power Walk was part of efforts to mobilize local support towards strengthening emergency preparedness and disaster response programmes within communities.
Korir said the organization had intentionally partnered with schools and learning institutions because young people play an important role in building resilient communities and supporting humanitarian interventions during emergencies.
“Young people play a critical role in supporting community resilience during emergencies. By involving schools and colleges, we are creating a generation that understands the importance of preparedness, compassion, and volunteer service,” said Korir.
He noted that the active participation of students and teachers demonstrated growing public awareness on the importance of collective responsibility in addressing disasters, which often leave affected families in urgent need of shelter, food, medical care, and psychosocial support.
Korir observed that schools have become strategic platforms for promoting humanitarian values and empowering learners with life-saving skills such as first aid, disaster response, and environmental conservation.
“We believe schools are important centres for nurturing responsible citizens who understand the value of humanity and community service. Through Red Cross clubs and outreach programmes, learners are gaining practical skills that can help save lives during emergencies,” he said.
The coordinator explained that the Kenya Red Cross Society continues to play a critical role in emergency rescue operations, first aid response, water and sanitation services, disease prevention, disaster risk reduction, and public health interventions across the country.
“Red Cross exists to serve humanity and support people affected by disasters and emergencies. We also continue working with communities on disaster preparedness and mitigation in order to reduce the impact of calamities whenever they occur,” Korir added.
Founded through an Act of Parliament in 1965, the Kenya Red Cross Society has over the years expanded its humanitarian operations through volunteer networks and branch offices that provide rapid emergency response during floods, fires, road accidents, disease outbreaks, and displacement crises.
The organization has also strengthened youth engagement programmes through Red Cross clubs established in schools and colleges where learners are trained on leadership, emergency response skills, first aid, and humanitarian service.
Representing Kericho Governor Eric Mutai during the event, County Executive Committee Member for Public Service Management Jonathan Korir said the county government would continue working closely with humanitarian organizations to strengthen disaster management systems within the county.
He said Kericho County has continued experiencing disasters such as drowning incidents, landslides, and fire outbreaks, underscoring the importance of stronger collaboration between humanitarian agencies and government institutions.
“Our county continues to face different forms of disasters that require coordinated response efforts. Strengthening partnerships with organizations like Red Cross is important in improving preparedness and ensuring quick response whenever emergencies occur,” he said.
Jonathan Korir added that the county’s Disaster Management Unit has been collaborating with Red Cross personnel through training and capacity-building programmes aimed at equipping emergency response teams with practical disaster management skills.
He further observed that climate change, environmental degradation, and rapid population growth are contributing to increased disaster risks in many parts of the country, making public sensitization and preparedness initiatives increasingly important.
County Red Cross Board Chair Helen Ngeno urged residents to actively support humanitarian programmes through local donations, volunteerism, and community partnerships.
Ngeno said many people wrongly assume humanitarian interventions are solely dependent on foreign donors and international organizations, yet local community support remains critical in sustaining emergency response programmes.
“Even small contributions from community members can collectively make a huge difference in helping vulnerable families affected by disasters and humanitarian crises,” said Ngeno.
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She encouraged residents to participate in community engagement programmes organized by the Kenya Red Cross Society, saying stronger community participation was essential in building resilient societies capable of responding effectively to emergencies.
The Humanity Power Walk also recognized participating schools, volunteers, and stakeholders through award presentations for their contribution toward humanitarian activities and disaster awareness campaigns.
Organizers said the event not only served as a fundraising platform but also reinforced the urgent need for stronger community participation in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and humanitarian support amid increasing disaster cases across the country.
By Kimutai Langat
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